The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden released the latest results from the Prospective Population Study of Women, which has been following the health status of 1,500 women since the 1960s. Blood analysis has shown that middle-aged women with high levels of the amino acid homocysteine are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease years later. As well, the risk of any type of dementia for these women was 70% higher than women with the lowest levels of homocysteine. It’s unclear whether the relationship between Alzheimer’s and homecysteine is direct or indirect. If, in fact, future studies support this claim homocysteine levels may be an easy way to determine those at risk even before the onset of symptoms. [via EmaxHealth]
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Tags: alzheimer's, Gothenburg, homocysteine, Prospective Population Study of Women, Sahlgrenska Academy, Sweden
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
November 9th, 2009 at 6:23 am
Interesting study. Is there an available blood test for this amino acid? How does one lower the level of a high level of homocystine? Is there a study on that or doctor research?
Diane
November 9th, 2009 at 7:46 am
This study could have been just as easily have been a study reflecting diatary defiency of folic acid. High homocystein can be avoided by sufficient diatary folic acid derived from diet and/or supplementation.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Even if these tests are correct there is very little hormonal difference between old men and old women and this amino acid homocystein can’t be eliminated. There needs to be much work done on the genetic reason for high levels . If some one konws what to do to lower the level and revamp those of us who will get the disease let us know???
November 14th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Anytype of progress in this horrendous disease is welcome.